Tennessee football: 10 players Vols can’t afford to lose in 2020

Hometown: Grayson, Ga.

Despite Darnell Wright being a more highly touted recruit for Tennessee football in 2019 and despite him being penciled in as a sole starter in the Vols’ initial 2020 depth chart while Wanya Morris is listed as a co-starter, Morris is still the more valuable player. Production from last year, depth at the position he’s playing and importance of that position all favor Morris.

For starters, Morris was a better player than Wright last year. The 6’5″ 320-pound product of Grayson High School in Georgia gained an advantage by being an early enrollee, and he immediately stepped in as a starter. He started in 12 of 13 games and earned numerous accolades, including Freshman All-SEC, while making Preseason Coaches All-SEC this year.

Beyond that production, Morris is also playing left tackle, a more important position than right tackle. If Jarrett Guarantano is going to remain upright this year and be able to improve his decision-making, consistency and accuracy, Morris will be crucial to letting that happen. His development proves his value on that front, which is why the Vols need him so desperately.

Finally, there’s value above replacement. Although Wright is the sole starter, K’Rojhn Calbert is listed as his backup. Morris may be a co-starter with Jahmir Johnson, but last year, Calbert provided more value and versatility than Johnson. That’s not to say Johnson’s not a solid player, but a three-man rotation at tackle will be much harder without Morris than without Wright.